UNDERWRITING
GUIDE
5438-00A-OCT16
FOR BROKERS ONLY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT ASSUMPTION LIFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Prescription Narcotics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Why doing business with us is easy, and smart! . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Rheumatoid Arthritis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
How this guide will help you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Sleep Apnea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Abbreviations found in this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Smoking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Stroke/TIA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
MEDICAL RISKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
NON-MEDICAL RISKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Asthma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Aviation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Cancer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Bankruptcy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
COPD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Citizenship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Crohn’s/Ulcerative Colitis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Criminal Activity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Depression. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Driving record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Diabetes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Financial Underwriting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Drug Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Foreign Travel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Family History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Occupation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Fibromyalgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Heart Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Height and Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT TABLES FOR
CHILDREN AND ADULTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Hepatitis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
15 days to 23 months . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
High Blood Pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2 to 4 years of age. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Kidney Failure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5 to 8 years of age. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Lipids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
9 to 11 years of age. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Multiple Sclerosis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
12 to 14 years of age. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Musculoskeletal Disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
15 to 75 years of age. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ASSUMPTION LIFE, A SOLID PRESENCE SINCE 1903
Founded over one hundred years ago, Assumption Life has stood the test of time
and evolved to become one of the largest mutual life insurance companies in
Canada. With Assumption Life, you can benefit from our vast experience, and also
on a personalized and unparalleled service.
How this guide will help you
Assumption Life’s underwriting guide is designed to reveal how medical conditions
can impact the underwriting of our individual insurance products. The information is
divided into four main categories:
Why doing business with us is easy, and smart!
We take pride in being a broker-friendly company. We not only have an array of
innovative products, but also innovative ways of doing business. Lia, our electronic
sales platform, makes it easier than ever to submit applications and grow your
business with us.
Our in-house underwriting team is always on hand to assist you. Never before will
you have had such direct access to an underwriting team.
For all of these reasons and many more, doing business with Assumption Life
is truly easy. We honor this philosophy on a daily basis by adopting an individual
and corporate code of conduct focused on the client, and based on integrity,
accountability, commitment and innovation.
HEALTH
PROBLEMS
Brief definition and description of the health problem.
IMPORTANT
ELEMENTS
Key elements and factors required to make an underwriting
decision.
UNDERWRITING
REQUIREMENTS
POSSIBLE
DECISION
Such as paramedical, blood profile, attending physician
statement, driving record, etc.
Provides an indication of the likely or probable
underwriting decision.
Abbreviations found in this guide
APS
Attending Physician Statement
CI
Critical illness
DI
Disability insurance
This guide is for preliminary and information purposes only. Assumption Life reserves the right to request any underwriting requirements deemed necessary, such as tests or reports,
regardless of age or insurance amount applied for. All applications are treated on a case-by-case basis; therefore, the final offer received from Underwriting may differ from what is
indicated in this guide.
1
MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
Amount consumed per day
Alcohol use questionnaire at the following link:
Any change in drinking habits and reason for
change
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/3876-00A%20-%20Alcohol%20
Use%20Questionnaire.pdf
Treatment required if any (Alcoholics
Anonymous, medication, medical monitoring,
etc.)
POSSIBLE DECISION
Life: Rating of 400% after 1 year of abstinence
and standard rate considered only after 5 years
with no relapse.
If received treatment in the past and currently
drinking any amount: decline
If more than 1 relapse: decline
History of relapse, if any
CI: If under 5 years abstinent: decline.
Any history of drug use or mental illness
Over 5 years: may be considered standard risk.
If any history of drug abuse or mental illness, all
cases would be uninsurable.
DI: From 150% to a decline.
Asthma
Age at diagnosis
Common respiratory disorder
characterized by a disorder of
the airways.
Frequency of symptoms or attacks
Any hospitalization
Current medications
Respiratory disorder questionnaire at the
following link:
Life: Rating depends on severity and frequency
of symptoms.
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/3907-00A%20-%20
Respiratory%20Disorder%20Questionnaire.
pdf
For mild attacks: standard rate. Otherwise,
rating starts at 150%.
CI: Mild to moderate symptoms, standard rate if
non-smoker. Otherwise, rating starts at 150%.
DI: Decision may vary from standard risk to a
decline depending on severity. May also offer
exclusion.
Life/CI/DI: Rate will increase if applicant is a
smoker.
Cancer
Age at diagnosis
Since there are so many forms
of cancer, this section will
provide general questions to
ask and some generalizations
regarding insurability.
Family history
Location of the cancer (breast, colon, skin, etc.)
Details on treatment (radiation, chemotherapy,
surgery), including date the treatment was
completed
Stage of the cancer or presence of any
metastases, if known
Any cancer recurrence
2
APS
Life: Rating depends on date of diagnosis, age
at diagnosis, type of cancer and staging, and
current status. Most cancers are uninsurable for
the first 2 to 3 years, although there are some
exceptions, such as for basal cell carcinoma.
CI: Most cancers are uninsurable, although
there are some exceptions, such as for basal cell
carcinoma. An exclusion may apply in
some cases.
MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
Cancer
POSSIBLE DECISION
DI: Most cancers are uninsurable for the first
5 to 10 years depending on the type and staging
of cancer, although there are some exceptions,
such as for basal cell carcinoma. An exclusion
may apply in some cases.
(continued)
COPD
Age at diagnosis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease is a slowly progressive
disease of the airways that
is characterized by a gradual
loss of lung function. Includes
chronic bronchitis and
emphysema.
Treatment
Severity of symptoms
Current status
Respiratory disorder questionnaire at
the following link:
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/3907-00A%20-%20
Respiratory%20Disorder%20Questionnaire.
pdf
APS
Life: Mild- standard rate to 175% rating.
Moderate- rating of 175% to 250%, with
possible decline
Severe- usually decline
CI: Decision may vary from a rating of 150% to
a decline, based on severity and smoking status.
DI: Decision may vary from a rating of 150% to
a decline, based on severity and smoking status.
May also offer exclusion.
Smoker:
Mild: Rating will increase
Moderate to severe: Decline
Crohn’s/Ulcerative Colitis
Type of disease/diagnosis if known
Crohn’s disease can result in
inflammation in any part of the
gastrointestinal tract.
Date of diagnosis
Ulcerative colitis is limited to
the large intestine.
Gastrointestinal disorder questionnaire at the
following link:
Frequency and severity of attacks
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/3894-00A%20-%20
Gastrointestinal%20Disorder%20
Questionnaire.pdf
History of surgery, if any, with details
APS for most cases
Most recent attack (flare-up)
Any weight loss secondary to disease
Any time off work
Current medication
Date of last symptoms
Life: Mild cases of Crohn’s/ulcerative colitis
disease may be considered standard risk if over
2 years since diagnosis (minimal abdominal
symptoms with no bowel obstruction, no
significant weight loss or systemic symptoms,
no hospitalization, no corticosteroid treatment,
no surgery).
All cases within 2 years of diagnosis will be
rated moderate to severe.
For moderate cases, minimum rating starts at
200% and may be reduced after 6 months from
last flare-up/in remission.
Severe cases will be considered after 6 months
in remission; the rating would start at 300%.
May likely be declined.
Also, if surgery is performed, the applicant can
be considered after 6 months post surgery.
3
MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
Crohn’s/Ulcerative Colitis
POSSIBLE DECISION
CI: All cases within 2 years of diagnosis will
be rated as severe: decline or rating of 175%
and an exclusion.
(continued)
After 2 years, a rating of 150% to 175% and
an exclusion will apply in most cases.
Severe cases with history of complications
(anemia, arthritis, eye involvement, etc.) will
be declined.
DI: Will not be considered until 2 years after
diagnosis or surgery. Afterwards, rating varies
from 150% after 5 years from diagnosis. May
also be excluded.
Depression
Age at diagnosis
Mood disorder characterized
by sadness, or loss of interest
or pleasure in usual activities,
difficulty concentrating, loss of
energy and motivation.
Severity
Any recurrence
Date of last episode
Type of treatment
Any time off work or any hospitalization
Any suicide attempt or suicidal thoughts
Nervous disorder questionnaire at the following
link :
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/3900-00A%20-%20Mental%20
Nervous%20Disorder%20Questionnaire.pdf
Possible APS
Life: For mild/moderate cases, if diagnosed
within 1 year, minimum rating of 150%. If over 1
year since diagnosis, may likely be standard risk.
In all cases, if applicant is currently off work,
we will postpone and may reconsider once
the applicant has been working full time for a
minimum period of 6 months.
All severe cases may be considered after 1 year
from diagnosis with a minimum rating of 200%.
CI: For mild/moderate cases, may likely be
standard risk.
All severe cases may be considered after 1 year
from diagnosis with a minimum rating of 150%.
DI: Single episode: For mild/moderate case,
likely decline if onset less than 1 year ago.
Afterwards, an exclusion may be considered.
Chronic/recurrent episodes: For mild/
moderate cases, likely decline if last episode
less than 1 year ago. Afterwards, rating and an
exclusion may apply.
For severe & multiple episodes:
On case-by-case basis.
4
MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
Depression
If currently on medications, exclusion will apply.
(continued)
History of suicide attempts could merit
additional rating or a decline.
Diabetes
Type of diabetes
Metabolic disorder
characterized by chronic
hyperglycemia from insulin
deficiency or resistance or
both.
Age at diagnosis
Type 1 diabetes:
Insulin-dependent diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes: Non-insulin
dependent diabetes.
Gestational diabetes:
Occurs during pregnancy.
POSSIBLE DECISION
Details of treatment (include name of
medication)
Any history of complications related to diabetes
(coma, vascular disorder, nephropathy, etc.)
Blood profile including A1C testing and
diabetes questionnaire at the following link:
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/3886-00A%20-%20
Diabetes%20Questionnaire.pdf
Possible APS
Life: For type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the rating
depends on the age at onset, duration of
disease and degree of control/compliance with
treatment. Decision may vary from standard risk
to a decline.
With any complications such as heart disease,
kidney disease, poor control or compliance,
family history, eye and nerve disorders, the
rating increases or the risk may become
uninsurable.
CI/DI: All insulin-dependent diabetics of any
age and non-insulin diabetics under the age of
39 would be uninsurable.
CI: Those taking oral medication or controlling
their diabetes by diet and who are age 50 and
over may be considered with a minimum rating
of 175% to a decline.
DI: Those taking oral medication or controlling
their diabetes with diet and who are age 40 and
over may be considered with a minimum rating
of 175% to a decline.
DI: If using over 20 units of insulin per day:
decline.
Gestational diabetes
Life/CI: May be considered standard risk if no
complications.
DI: Could require complication of pregnancy
exclusion.
If currently pregnant – CI/DI: decline.
5
MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
Drug Usage
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
Type and amount of drugs used
Drug usage questionnaire at the following link:
Any excessive alcohol consumption
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/3887-00A%20-%20Drug%20
Use%20Questionnaire.pdf
Any treatment required
Any relapses
Possibly an APS and a urinalysis
POSSIBLE DECISION
Life/CI/DI: Current use of all illegal drugs
except marijuana: Decline
Will only consider those with stable personality
and occupation.
Marijuana (smoked or ingested) may be
considered at non-smoker rates, provided it is
not mixed with nicotine.
Therapeutic or non-therapeutic marijuana use
in vapor form may be considered at non-smoker
rates subject to a negative nicotine test.
Marijuna - standard to decline, depending on
frequency.
Family History
Type of disease
We consider the biological
father, mother, brother and
sister to be close biological
family members.
Age of family members at onset of disease
Number of family members affected by
same disease
If an adopted person does not
know his/her family history,
he/she can answer NO to our
family history questions.
APS
Life/CI/DI: One (1) family member, living or
deceased, who was diagnosed before age 60
with diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart trouble or a
mental disorder are considered a standard risk.
Two (2) family members or more, living or
deceased, who were diagnosed before age 60
with the same condition among the following:
diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart trouble, mental
disorder that necessitated hospitalization or who
committed suicide are generally considered at
standard rates or with a small rating of 150%.
One family member or more, living or deceased,
who was diagnosed before age 60 with
Huntington`s disease, polycystic kidney disease
or any other hereditary disease — the decision
will vary from standard to a decline. For CI/DI,
an exclusion may also be applicable in certain
cases.
Fibromyalgia
Duration of disorder
Term used to describe a
combination of various
symptoms such as chronic
muscular pain and fatigue.
Evidence of underlying mood disorder
6
Any time off work
Functional capacity
Life/CI: If no depressive symptoms, well
controlled, this condition may be considered at
standard risk.
DI: All cases would be uninsurable.
MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
Heart Condition
Date of diagnosis
I. Coronary artery disease
(CAD): Failure of the
coronary artery to provide
an adequate blood flow of
oxygen and nutrients to the
contracting heart muscle or
myocardium.
Severity of the disease, number of vessels
involved
II.Congenital heart defect
including heart murmurs:
A variety of malformations
of the heart that vary
significantly in severity.
Murmurs usually occur
when there is a structural
abnormality of a heart
valve or heart chamber(s)
or increased blood flow
through the heart.
Date of diagnosis
Height and Weight
Current height and weight
Paramedical if rating of 175% or higher.
(See height and weight table for
children and adults)
If weight loss of more than 20 lbs
in the last year:
Paramedical and blood profile with hba1c if
rating of 250% or higher.
APS
POSSIBLE DECISION
Life: Unable to consider until 6 months
post treatment.
Under age 40: likely decline.
Number of occurrences
Decision may vary from a rating of 200% to
a decline.
Current symptoms
CI/DI: Likely decline.
Treatment
APS to include echocardiogram
Type of diagnosis
Underwriting decision would depend on
the type of congenital abnormality.
Life: Depending on the type of congenital
abnormality, some cannot be considered until
they have been surgically corrected. For the
more serious abnormalities, coverage cannot be
considered until one year after surgery.
Treatment
History of surgery
Types of tests completed, dates and results
CI: For most conditions may likely be declined
or exclusion may apply.
DI: Less serious abnormalities may be
considered standard risk. More serious
abnormalities would be declined.
Amount of total weight loss and amount of
weight loss in the last 12 months
Reason for weight loss
If through surgery, date of surgery
Life: Height and weight rating is calculated as
per our charts. Even if the applicant exceeds the
table in the application, it doesn’t mean he or
she will get a rating.
As for weight loss, if the applicant has lost
weight either through diet, exercise or surgery,
we will add half of the weight lost in the past
year to the current weight, which will decide the
rating if any.
If weight was lost through surgery, the applicant
will only be considered 6 months after surgery.
CI: If rating for height and weight exceeds
175%, application will be declined. If weight
was lost through surgery, applicant will only be
considered 1 year after surgery.
7
MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
Height and Weight
POSSIBLE DECISION
DI: If rating for height and weight exceeds
225%, application will be declined. If weight
was lost through surgery, applicant will only be
considered 1 year after surgery.
(continued)
Hepatitis
Type of hepatitis
Blood profile with hepatitis screening.
Inflammation of the liver that
occurs as both acute and
chronic hepatitis.
Date of diagnosis
Possible APS
Details on current and past treatment
Details on investigation (liver biopsy, ultrasound)
Any history of alcohol or drug abuse
Life: Hepatitis A: If complete recovery, may be
considered standard risk.
Hepatitis B: Carriers with no active disease
and acute hepatitis B, recovered with normal
liver function tests, may be considered with
small rating. Decision for chronic hepatitis B
may vary from a rating of 175% to a decline.
Hepatitis C: May be considered if
asymptomatic; however, most cases will be
offered with a rating of 175% or higher.
These cases are also frequently considered
uninsurable.
CI/DI: On case-by-case basis. Decision varies
from standard risk to a decline.
High Blood Pressure
Date of diagnosis
Elevated blood pressure.
Treatments required
Vital signs or paramedical may be required.
Life/CI/DI: Generally considered standard risk
for blood pressure readings with values in the
normal range and no co-morbid factors.
APS
Life: Acute failure: Fully recovered, no residual
and over 1 year, usually standard risk.
Control of high blood pressure
Last blood pressure reading and date if known
Kidney Failure
Date of diagnosis
Loss of kidney function,
including dialysis.
Underlying cause
Details of treatment
Any complications
8
Chronic failure: All cases declined.
CI/DI: On case-by-case basis; will only
consider if acute, complete recovery with a
minimum rating of 150%.
MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
Lipids
Date of diagnosis
Elevated cholesterol.
Treatment required
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
POSSIBLE DECISION
If the applicant is taking more than one
medication, we will need a blood profile.
Life/CI/DI: Depending on the values/results of
the blood profile, if well controlled, and no other
significant health history: most likely considered
standard risk.
APS
Current symptoms
Life: The rating will be based on years since
onset of the disease as well as limitations of
the insured. A rating of 150% and up should be
expected.
Date of last attack
CI/DI: Most likely exclusion offer or decline.
Status of control
Last blood work and results if known
Multiple Sclerosis
Age at diagnosis
Inflammatory demyelinating
disease of the central nervous
system.
Definite or possible diagnosis
Frequency of attacks
Details on treatment
Complications, if any
Degree of disability
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Date of diagnosis
Back pain questionnaire at the following link:
Disorders of joints or muscles,
or arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc.
Treatments needed including medication,
physiotherapy, chiropractor, massage, etc.
Disorders such as back pain,
neck pain, knee problems,
shoulder problems.
Date of last symptoms
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/3881-00A%20-%20Back%20
Pain%20Questionnaire.pdf
Any time off work
Arthritis questionnaire at the following link:
Life/CI: Most likely standard risk depending on
medication regimen.
DI: Most likely exclusion offer or decline.
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/4413-00A%20-%20
Arthritis,%20Rheumatism%20or%20
Gout%20Questionnaire.pdf
Musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire at
the following link:
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/5449-00A%20-%20
Musculoskeletal%20Disorder%20
Questionnaire.pdf
9
MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
Prescription Narcotics
Reason for treatment
Narcotics used for pain control
as prescribed by a doctor.
Medication regimen
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Age at onset
Arthritis questionnaire at the following link:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is
a chronic systemic disease
characterized by inflammatory
changes in joints and related
structures causing pain,
inflammation and stiffness of
joints, often with disabling joint
destruction, loss of function
and disability.
Medication/treatment regimen
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/4413-00A%20-%20
Arthritis,%20Rheumatism%20or%20
Gout%20Questionnaire.pdf
APS
Any time off work
Time off work
Occupation
POSSIBLE DECISION
Life/CI: Depending on whether any
dependency is indicated, decision may vary from
a rating of 150% to a decline.
DI: All cases would be uninsurable.
APS
Life/CI: Mild rheumatoid arthritis, with no
significant disability, no hospitalizations and
treated with anti-inflammatory drugs will usually
be approved with a minimum rating of 150%.
Moderate cases with more extensive joint
involvement and mild disability may be approved
with a rating in the range of 200% for life,
depending on how active the disease is. CI will
be declined.
Severe: Decision may vary from a rating of
250% to a decline for life. CI will be declined.
DI: Manual duties: decline
No manual duties: Mild to moderate – rating of
150% and an exclusion. If severe: decline.
Sleep Apnea
Details of treatment
Common sleep disorder
characterized by brief
breathing interruptions during
sleep.
Type of apnea (obstructive, mixed or central),
if known
Current severity of the condition
Compliance with treatment
Date of last sleep study
Possible APS
Life/CI: Depending on the results of the sleep
study, the decision may vary from standard to
a rating of 250% if treated. If untreated, the
decision would be from a rating of 150% to a
decline.
If not compliant, no current sleep study or
severe sleep apnea, we may decline or a higher
rating may apply.
DI: Similar to life, maximum rating would be
150%; if higher, decline.
Exclusion not applicable.
10
MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
Smoking
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
Frequency and number
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
No requirements.
If request to change to non-smoker, will
require declaration of insurability, tobacco
usage questionnaire at the following link and
urinalysis if amount is over $500,000 or upon
underwriter’s request.
To be considered a nonsmoker, the insured must not
have used any substance or
product containing tobacco,
nicotine, or marijuana
mixed with nicotine or used
e-cigarettes in the 12 months
preceding the application.
POSSIBLE DECISION
Life/CI/DI: One cigar or less per month
(maximum 12 per year) is considered nonsmoker if the urinalysis is negative for nicotine.
(This does not apply for cigarillos such as Colts)
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/3910-00A%20-%20
Questionnaire%20sur%20l’usage%20
du%20tabac.pdf
Stroke/TIA
Age at time of episode
Cerebrovascular disease
affecting the blood vessels that
supply the brain.
Details of treatment
Life: Stroke and TIA rating depends on age
at diagnosis and cause. Within one year of
episode, we will postpone.
APS
Number of episodes
Severity of neurological impairment
Recurrent episodes of stroke, applicant will be
declined.
Cause of the stroke/TIA
CI/DI: All cases would be uninsurable.
NON MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
Aviation
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
Private or commercial
Aviation questionnaire at the following link:
Type of aircraft flown
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/3880-00A%20-%20
Aviation%20Questionnaire.pdf
Hours of experience
POSSIBLE DECISION
Life: Commercial pilot: Major carriers are
standard risk. Otherwise, rating can range from
$2.50 to $5 per thousand.
Private student pilots: Rating will differ
depending on age of insured. Can range from
$2.50 to $3.50 per thousand.
Helicopter pilots are generally rated $3.50 per
thousand.
11
NON MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
Aviation
POSSIBLE DECISION
CI: Private aviation pilots are generally
considered with an exclusion. The decision for
commercial pilots may vary from standard, to an
exclusion, to a decline.
(continued)
DI: Private aviation pilots are generally
considered standard or with an exclusion.
Commercial pilots are generally declined.
Bankruptcy
Income
Financial questionnaire at the following link:
Net worth
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/3890-00A%20-%20
Financial%20Questionnaire.pdf
Life/CI: Discharged from bankruptcy:
standard risk.
Not discharged from bankruptcy: Individual
consideration; we may consider a maximum
insurance amount of $100,000.
DI: Discharged from bankruptcy: standard risk
Not discharged from bankruptcy: decline
Citizenship
Country of origin (place of birth)
Country of birth versus current
citizenship status.
Date of arrival in Canada
Resident status
Current occupation
Work and Study Permit questionnaire at the
following link if applicable:
Life/CI/DI: Landed immigrant, all cases
standard risk.
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/5225-00A%20-%20Visa%20
Questionnaire.pdf
Work permit holders, nannies, students, etc.: on
case-by-case basis for life insurance, CI rider
and Critical Protection.
Copy of their work permit or immigration
papers.
Paramedical and blood profile including
hepatitis B, C screening if applicant has been
in Canada for less than 1 year.
Criminal Activity
Age
Nature of the criminal act(s)
Date of crime
Date of discharge
12
DI : decline
For work permit or study permit holders, please
refer to the underwriting guidelines for non
residents by clicking the following link:
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/Documents/545400A%20-%20Underwriting%20guidelines%20
for%20the%20new%20market.pdf
Criminal activity questionnaire at
the following link:
Life/CI/DI: Trial or investigation pending:
will be declined.
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/5337-00A%20Criminal%20
Activity%20Questionnaire.pdf
Will only consider less serious crimes
2 years after probation completed, on
case-by-case basis.
NON MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
Driving record
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
Number of infractions
Driving questionnaire at the following link:
Type of infractions
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/4018-00A%20-%20Driving%20
Record%20Questionnaire.pdf
Severity of infractions
Any driving suspension
Driving record may be required
POSSIBLE DECISION
Life/CI/DI: Rating dependent on current age,
severity and number of infractions.
2 or more impaired driving charges: decline
if last DUI is less than 5 years ago or license
currently suspended.
Currently has Ignition Interlock System: decline.
Single impaired driving with no other violation:
may be considered standard risk 1 year after
violation.
CI/DI: If life, rating is $3/$1,000 or less; CI
may likely be standard risk and DI may be
considered with rating of 150%.
Otherwise, CI/DI will be declined.
Financial Underwriting
Financial questionnaire at the following link if
necessary:
Justifiable amount of insurance
versus salary.
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/3890-00A%20-%20
Financial%20Questionnaire.pdf
Life/CI/DI: If you have given enough
information about why the insurance is being
applied for, how the amount was determined
and attach supporting documentation (financial
statements and letters from accountants),
you will reduce the number of questions the
underwriter has and increase the likelihood of
approval.
On case-by-case basis.
Foreign Travel
Country or countries being traveled to
Date
Duration
Purpose of travel
Foreign travel questionnaire at the following
link:
Life/CI/: Some countries may be considered
standard risk.
https://infonet.assumption.ca/
producerscorner/Portals/0/
Documents/3893-00A%20-%20Foreign%20
Travel%20and%20Residence%20
Questionnaire.PDF
Some countries may be considered with
a rating or uninsurable. However, we may
consider with an exclusion rider if not related to
the applicant’s occupation.
DI: No rating but may exclude specific country
or all foreign travel outside Canada or USA.
13
NON MEDICAL RISKS
HEALTH PROBLEMS
Occupation
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
Specific job duties
UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS
POSSIBLE DECISION
Life/CI: Most occupations are standard risk.
Ratable occupations usually include those
associated with a dangerous location (i.e.
loggers, steelworkers and underground miners)
or the use of hazardous materials (i.e. asbestos,
explosives and nuclear material).
No exclusion is available because the applicant
would be spending a significant amount of time
working.
Occupational ratings are expressed as flat
extras (i.e. starting at $2.50 per thousand,
excluding CI, as flat extra ratings are
unavailable.
DI: No rating or exclusion available. Likely
decline.
14
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT TABLES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
(With the exception of No Medical Insurance, even if the height and weight exceed the values specified in the table, this does not mean that the applicant will
automatically be rated or declined.)
Current age – 15 days to 23 months
Table for Youth Plus and ParPlus Junior
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
in
cm
lb
kg
AGE IN
MONTHS
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
15 days – 1 mo.
19
24
48
61
5
14
2
6
2
20
26
51
66
6
17
3
8
3
21
28
53
71
8
20
4
9
4
22
29
56
74
9
22
4
10
5
23
31
58
79
10
25
5
11
6-8
23
33
61
84
11
29
5
13
9-11
24
35
64
89
13
32
6
15
12-14
26
37
66
94
14
35
6
16
15-17
27
38
69
97
16
38
7
17
18-20
28
40
71
102
18
44
8
20
21-23
29
42
74
107
19
50
9
23
15
Current age – 2 to 4 years of age
Table for Youth Plus and ParPlus Junior
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
HEIGHT
lb
WEIGHT
kg
lb
kg
ft/in
cm
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
ft/in
cm
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
2’6”
76
19
39
9
18
3’1”
94
25
56
11
25
2’7”
79
19
41
9
19
3’2”
97
26
59
12
27
2’8”
81
20
43
9
20
3’3”
99
27
62
12
28
2’9”
84
20
45
9
20
3’4”
102
29
65
13
30
2’10”
86
21
47
10
21
3’5”
104
30
67
14
30
2’11”
89
22
50
10
23
3’6”
107
31
69
14
31
3’0”
91
24
53
11
24
3’7”
109
32
71
15
32
Current age – 5 to 8 years of age
Table for Youth Plus and ParPlus Junior
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
HEIGHT
lb
kg
lb
kg
cm
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
ft/in
cm
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
3’2”
97
27
60
12
27
4’0”
122
46
92
21
42
3’3”
99
29
63
13
29
4’1”
124
48
95
22
43
3’4”
102
30
66
14
30
4’2”
127
50
99
23
45
3’5”
104
32
69
15
31
4’3”
130
52
102
24
46
3’6”
107
34
73
15
33
4’4”
132
54
106
25
48
3’7”
109
36
76
16
35
4’5”
135
56
109
25
49
3’8”
112
38
79
17
36
4’6”
137
58
113
26
51
3’9”
114
40
82
18
37
4’7”
140
60
116
27
53
3’10”
117
42
85
19
39
4’8”
142
62
120
28
54
3’11”
119
44
89
20
40
ft/in
16
WEIGHT
Current age – 9 to 11 years of age
Table for Youth Plus and ParPlus Junior
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
HEIGHT
lb
ft/in
cm
Min.
3’8”
112
3’9”
114
3’10”
WEIGHT
kg
lb
Max.
Min.
Max.
ft/in
35
77
16
35
37
81
17
37
117
40
85
18
3’11”
119
42
89
4’0”
122
5
4’1”
124
4’2”
kg
cm
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
4’6”
137
60
118
27
54
4’7”
140
62
123
28
56
39
4’8”
142
65
127
30
58
19
40
4’9”
145
67
131
30
59
93
20
42
4’10”
147
70
135
32
61
47
97
21
44
4’11”
150
72
139
33
63
127
50
102
23
46
5’0”
152
75
144
34
65
4’3”
130
52
106
24
48
5’1”
155
77
148
35
67
4’4”
132
55
110
25
50
5’2”
157
80
152
36
69
4’5”
135
57
114
26
50
5’3”
160
83
157
38
71
Current age – 12 to 14 years of age
Table for Youth Plus and ParPlus Junior
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
HEIGHT
lb
WEIGHT
kg
lb
kg
ft/in
cm
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
ft/in
cm
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
4’4”
132
54
112
25
51
5’3”
160
87
167
39
76
4’5”
135
57
117
26
53
5’4”
163
91
172
41
78
4’6”
137
60
122
27
55
5’5”
165
94
177
43
80
4’7”
140
63
127
29
58
5’6”
168
97
183
44
83
4’8”
142
66
132
30
60
5’7”
170
100
188
45
85
4’9”
145
69
137
31
62
5’8”
173
103
193
47
88
4’10”
147
72
142
33
64
5’9”
175
106
198
48
90
4’11”
150
81
147
34
67
5’10”
178
109
203
49
92
5’0”
152
84
152
35
69
5’11”
180
113
208
51
94
5’1”
155
87
157
37
71
6’0”
183
117
213
53
97
5’2”
157
91
162
38
74
6’1”
185
120
219
54
99
17
Current age – 15 to 75 years of age
Table for Youth Plus, FlexOptions, FlexTerm, ParPlus, ParPlus Junior and Critical Protection
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
ft/in
cm
lb
kg
ft/in
cm
lb
kg
ft/in
cm
lb
kg
4’10”
147
158
72
5’6”
168
205
93
6’2”
188
256
116
4’11”
150
163
74
5’7”
170
210
95
6’3”
191
264
120
5’0”
152
169
77
5’8”
173
216
98
6’4”
193
271
123
5’1”
155
174
79
5’9”
175
224
102
6’5”
196
277
126
5’2”
157
182
83
5’10”
178
229
104
6’6”
198
285
129
5’3”
160
188
85
5’11”
180
235
107
6’7”
201
293
133
5’4”
163
193
88
6’0”
183
242
110
6’8”
203
299
136
5’5”
165
198
90
6’1”
185
250
114
6’9”
203
308
140
Current age – 15 to 75 years of age
Table for No Medical Whole Life - Immediate, No Medical Whole Life - Deferred, No Medical Term - Immediate and No Medical Term - Deferred
HEIGHT
18
WEIGHT
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
ft/in
cm
lb
kg
ft/in
cm
lb
kg
ft/in
cm
lb
kg
4’10”
147
188
85
5’6”
168
235
107
6’2”
188
286
130
4’11”
150
193
88
5’7”
170
240
109
6’3”
191
294
134
5’0”
152
199
90
5’8”
173
246
112
6’4”
193
301
137
5’1”
155
204
93
5’9”
175
254
115
6’5”
196
307
140
5’2”
157
212
96
5’10”
178
259
118
6’6”
198
315
143
5’3”
160
218
99
5’11”
180
265
120
6’7”
201
323
147
5’4”
163
223
101
6’0”
183
183
272
6’8”
203
329
150
5’5”
165
228
104
6’1”
185
185
280
6’9”
203
338
154
You can also find the complete product features in our product guides,
available on our Producer’s Corner:
www.producerscorner.ca
Our underwriting team is there to help you!
Toll free number: 1-800-455-7337
[email protected]
Call one of our regional sales managers to learn more about us!
Atlantic Provinces
John K. Coughlan
1-800-455-7337
[email protected]
Quebec
Daniel Rouillard
1-844-438-3882
[email protected]
Ontario
Jennifer Koshul
1-855-523-2700
[email protected]
Shawn Redford
1-647-448-8303
[email protected]
Western Canada
Pamela Kwiatkowski
Yvonne Winkler
Michael Ricketts
1-888-604-4330
[email protected]
1-403-383-6473
[email protected]
1-604-315-9797
[email protected]